Negotiators from 16 Asia-Pacific countries ended their eighth round of talks to promote a deal that would free up their trade early Sunday, falling short of setting any ambitious goal of eliminating tariffs.

The working-level meeting, which began last Monday in Kyoto, involving the largest economies in Asia under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, preceded their leaders' talks in November, when the participating countries will aim to reach a broad agreement, officials said.

To make a breakthrough, the negotiators agreed to hold ministerial meetings on July 13 and in late August in Malaysia.